Richard Johnston investigates the new DaLa Spa at Villa De Daun for this month's spa review. For a concise list of all of Bali's best spas be sure to grab a copy of 'Top Bali Spas' available at all leading bookstores on the island priced at IDR 100,000.

The last thing you would expect to find amongst the hustle and bustle of downtown Kuta is this oasis of uber indulgence and relaxation, but then again the brand new DaLa Spa at Villa de Daun is all about transcending expectations.

Beautifully designed by Michelle Tanaja and Jimmy Gunawan, DaLa Spa is testament to a pursuit of excellence, where the smallest of details are of the greatest importance. Everything from the wonderfully original treatment rooms to the absolute care and attention of their lovely therapists creates an experience that goes way beyond your expectations.

The decor of the treatment rooms deserves special mention here. The thought and energy that has gone into creating them is obvious. With seven differently themed rooms representing seven exotic flowers, the colour ways, lighting and fine touches all add up to create a truly unique atmosphere in which to experience your treatment.

A few minutes earlier I'd been out on Jalan Legian palming off the street hawkers, bikes were flying past and cars were honking their horns. The next thing I know I am being ushered into an opulent room featuring an impressive chandelier suspended over an enormous bath, draped curtains, a giant wall mirror, luxurious chairs and absolutely perfect lighting. Nothing creates atmosphere like lighting and DaLa Spa have it spot on. Before I had even changed into my sarong I was starting to drift off into a zen-like state of mind. But the best was yet to come.

For my treatment Michelle and Jimmy recommended their two hour High Tea package. With its use of anti-oxidant and rejuvenating ingredients it was exactly what this weather-beaten surfer needed. Starting with a green tea and avocado foot ritual I was soon ready for a deeply meditative session in the Cattleya Room. This was followed by a detox warm stone massage, which was expertly executed by my ever smiling therapist. Sometimes these sort of things can go awry with the stones too hot or the air-conditioning too cold but there was none of that here. Using very light sweet almond and 100% pure essential oils the long luxurious strokes of the hot stones and the super mellow soundtrack soon had me in another world.

Next, and fortuitously for me, the therapist applied a green tea body mask apparently used to prevent premature ageing. (Note to self: I wish I had discovered this about ten years ago). I have never been much for this sort of stuff, preferring a thorough pummelling to gentle indulgence but again the methods of the therapist made this an extremely enjoyable experience. Soon I was covered in green tea and wrapped up and left to soak up the goodness of the body mask. By now I had all but stopped breathing I was so relaxed. If not for the gentle whisper of my therapist to wake me up for my spicy chai tea milk bath I might still be there right now, immersed in an anti-oxidising marathon in search of my long lost youth. The chai milk bath was 'bagus sekali'. The perfect temperature was complimented by a perfect candle-lit ambience and a hypnotic soundtrack flowing out of the ipod sound system. I was really getting into a righteous groove when the inevitable knock came and then the singsong voice, 'permisi bapak your treatment is finished'.

Before it was over the staff ushered me into their post-treatment area for a chai tea and time to reflect on the past couple of hours; a necessary juncture to adjust to my post-bliss reality. In a moment or two I was on my feet feeling completely refreshed and ready to get back out on the mean streets of Kuta, my worldview somewhat rose tinted after a fantastic DaLa Spa session.

So if attention to detail and pride of service is important to you then look no further than a long luxurious afternoon here. You'll be hard pressed to find a spa of comparable price, quality and originality on the island of Bali.